So, I’m back to working on my blog, finally!
Unfortunately, my countless health issues simply got in the way of my writing. I’ll also take accountability that I did not make my writing a priority. I bet for a lot of us, writing helps us heal. It lets our emotions flow, rather than allowing our thoughts to run wild inside our head. It soothes the anxiety of whatever we’re going through in that moment. Yet, when I’m too overwhelmed the last thing I want to do is write.
Well, I sure as h*ll have been overwhelmed these last few years. So much has happened since my last post. At least it will allow for some good future posts! For now though, I’ll stick with some simple stuff.
Recently, I read an article by the amazing Kris Carr about some basic writing/journaling prompts “she swears by”. You can find the full article here: https://kriscarr.com/blog/daily-journal-prompts-topics-to-write-about/?utm_campaign=weekly-blog&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email-broadcast&utm_content=nl-08062019&utm_term=existing-list
As Kris says, these are “a few of the journal prompts I turn to when I need inspiration”.
- How are you feeling?
- What could make this day even better?
- What does your body say about this idea or decision?
- What are you grateful for?
- What’s not working?
- What lessons can you learn from this?
- What’s your intention for the day?
Today, I’m going to tell you about how I’m feeling.
HOW I’M FEELING
I underwent my 5th brain surgery just over 2 months ago.
There are days when I feel strong, but a lot of days I feel weak and fatigue easily.
My mobility on the left side is not great. I’ve been in and out of physical therapy and occupational therapy, even being admitted into an acute rehab facility in 2017. There were times my left hand was completely clawed into a fist. Hence, typing on a computer was NOT happening! Now, although my coordination is not 100%, at least I can use my hand again. I have to wear an AFO (Ankle-Foot Orthosis) to support my weakened left leg, more specifically my ankle, and to help control my “drop foot”. For those that don’t know what “drop foot” is, good ol’ Wikipedia defines it as, “a gait abnormality in which the dropping of the forefoot happens due to weakness, irritation or damage to the common fibular nerve including the sciatic nerve, or paralysis of the muscles in the anterior portion of the lower leg.” Basically, when I try to walk, my left foot simply just drops. This is all a side effect from all the radiation I received. The seizures and the 5 brain surgeries play a part in it too, but it’s mostly from the radiation. Too much in too short of a timespan.
My lovely AFO causes lots of stares from strangers, and a whole lot of questions. That’s okay though. I’d rather people ask than simply stare at me like I work at the Coney Island Freak Show. I sometimes also have to use a cane because that dang AFO only fits into sneakers. No more 4-inch heels for this chick. I’m reduced to flats, which were never comfortable for me to begin with. I’d rather have run a marathon in my heels than wear flats. So, when I get dressed up my cane comes along with me. Honestly, I hate that thing, but it comes in handy when an elevator door is closing too quickly.
I still cannot work, but I am a staunch advocate for brain cancer awareness. I speak publicly as much as possible, and fundraise for critically-needed research. It motivates me and keeps me going. Sadly, I watched a dear friend succumb to brain cancer in 2017. That will surely be a post unto itself. P.S. 2017 sucked!!!
I continue to make traveling a priority. As I say, “It’s a big world out there and I want to see as much of it as I can!” I have a lovely 2-week vacation coming up. One of our stops will be to the Greek Island of Kos, where the “Father of Medicine” Hippocrates (ya know, the Hippocratic Oath and all) was born. While there, I plan to visit “The Tree of Hippocrates” under which, according to legend, Hippocrates taught his pupils the art of medicine.
To sum it up, I’m feeling good. I’m constantly being hit, but every time I get back up and continue to fight.
I recently met an amazing young brain cancer survivor, who has taken on the motto: “It’s a good day to have a good day”. And so today, it’s a good day to have a good day. <3
Hello Brain Cancer Babe, I hope your recovering well. I’m sorry you had to go through another surgery. My prayers are with you and thank you very much for sharing your stories.
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers. It’s been a struggle, but most importantly, “I’m back!” And doing well ❤️